U.S. patent application number 14/026088 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for two-shell and two-drawer containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jean-Pierre Giraud, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne, Michel Zbirka. Invention is credited to Jean-Pierre Giraud, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne, Michel Zbirka.
Application Number | 20140014652 14/026088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43779163 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140014652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giraud; Jean-Pierre ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
TWO-SHELL AND TWO-DRAWER CONTAINERS
Abstract
A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and
an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an
angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be
displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally
longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the
package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat
marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells.
The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to
close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container
comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers
are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one
drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and
the other drawer is not.
Inventors: |
Giraud; Jean-Pierre;
(Auburn, AL) ; Zbirka; Michel; (Jouy-sur-Morin,
FR) ; Pichot; Herve; (Chennevieres-sur-Marne, FR)
; Rabinne; Bruce; (Boissy-le-Chatel, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Giraud; Jean-Pierre
Zbirka; Michel
Pichot; Herve
Rabinne; Bruce |
Auburn
Jouy-sur-Morin
Chennevieres-sur-Marne
Boissy-le-Chatel |
AL |
US
FR
FR
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
43779163 |
Appl. No.: |
14/026088 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12861999 |
Aug 24, 2010 |
8540115 |
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14026088 |
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12398475 |
Mar 5, 2009 |
8100288 |
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12861999 |
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61236370 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
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61257735 |
Nov 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20130101;
B65D 2251/20 20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 2251/1058
20130101; B65D 83/0811 20130101; B65D 2251/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/4.21 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A package comprising: a first shell portion having a first
peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion; a second shell
portion having a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral
portion, the second peripheral portion including a first latching
abutment; and a latch for releasably latching the second peripheral
portions of the first shell portion and second shell portion
together, the latch comprising: first and second legs joined at a
substantially 90 degree angle, the first leg secured to the first
shell portion, an actuator portion of the first leg adapted to be
displaced by a user's finger to displace the second leg from a
latched position to a released position, and a second latching
abutment secured to the second leg, the second latching abutment
configured to engage the first latching abutment when the second
leg is in its latched position and to release the first latching
abutment when the second leg is in its released position.
22. The package of claim 21, in which the first and second shell
portions have mating peripheral edges.
23. The package of claim 21, further comprising: a first closed lip
on the first shell portion defining an enclosure, and a mating
second closed lip on the second shell portion positioned to engage
the first closed lip, the engagement of the first closed lip and
the second closed lip being configured to seal the enclosure from
the ambient air outside the enclosure when the second peripheral
portions of the first shell portion and second shell portion are
latched together.
24. The package of claim 23, further comprising an insert defining
the first closed lip and joined to the first shell portion.
25. The package of claim 24, in which at least a portion of the
latch is positioned between the insert and the first shell
portion.
26. The package of claim 21, in which the actuator portion of the
first leg is normally biased toward its latched position.
27. The package of claim 21, further including a bending ramp
positioned to be engaged by the second leg for bending the second
leg into contact with a biasing abutment when the second leg is
displaced generally longitudinally from the latched position toward
the released position.
28. The package of claim 21, in which the first leg is secured to
the first shell portion by a pivot, and displacing the actuator
portion pivots the first leg relative to the first shell
portion.
29. The package of claim 21, further comprising: a third latching
abutment on one of the first and second shell portions; and a
second latch for releasably latching the second peripheral portions
of the first shell portion and second shell portion together, the
second latch comprising: third and fourth legs joined at an angle,
the third leg secured to the other of the first and second shell
portions relative to the third latching abutment, and an actuator
portion of the third leg adapted to be displaced by a user's
finger, displacing the fourth leg from a latched position to a
released position, and a fourth latching abutment secured to the
fourth leg, the fourth latching abutment configured to engage the
third latching abutment when the fourth leg is in its latched
position and to release the third latching abutment when the fourth
leg is in its released position.
30. The package of claim 29, in which the second and fourth legs
are generally parallel while in their latched positions.
31. The package of claim 29, in which the second and fourth legs
are positioned to be displaced generally longitudinally in opposite
directions from their latched positions to their released
positions.
32. The package of claim 29, further comprising a bending ramp
positioned to be engaged by at least one of the second and fourth
leg for bending the engaged leg into contact with a biasing
abutment when the engaged leg is displaced generally longitudinally
from the latched position toward the released position.
33. A package comprising: a first shell portion having a first
peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion; a second shell
portion having a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral
portion, the second peripheral portion including a first latching
abutment and defining a front edge, and a first side edge and a
second side edge extending between the first peripheral portion of
the second peripheral portion, a first angle being formed between
the front edge and the first side edge, and a second angle being
formed between the front edge and the second side edge; and a latch
for releasably latching the second peripheral portions of the first
shell portion and second shell portion together, the latch
comprising: first and second legs joined at an angle substantially
equal to at least one of the first angle or the second angle, the
first leg secured to the first shell portion, an actuator portion
of the first leg adapted to be displaced by a user's finger to
displace the second leg from a latched position to a released
position, and a second latching abutment secured to the second leg,
the second latching abutment configured to engage the first
latching abutment when the second leg is in its latched position
and to release the first latching abutment when the second leg is
in its released position.
34. The package of claim 33, in which the first and second shell
portions have mating peripheral edges.
35. The package of claim 33, further comprising: a first closed lip
on the first shell portion defining an enclosure, and a mating
second closed lip on the second shell portion positioned to engage
the first closed lip, the engagement of the first closed lip and
the second closed lip being configured to seal the enclosure from
the ambient air outside the enclosure when the second peripheral
portions of the first shell portion and second shell portion are
latched together.
36. The package of claim 35, further comprising an insert defining
the first closed lip and joined to the first shell portion.
37. The package of claim 36, in which at least a portion of the
latch is positioned between the insert and the first shell
portion.
38. The package of claim 33, in which the actuator portion of the
first leg is normally biased toward its latched position.
39. The package of claim 33, further including a bending ramp
positioned to be engaged by the second leg for bending the second
leg into contact with a biasing abutment when the second leg is
displaced generally longitudinally from the latched position toward
the released position.
40. The package of claim 33, in which the first leg is secured to
the first shell portion by a pivot, and displacing the actuator
portion pivots the first leg relative to the first shell portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of two provisional
United States patent applications, U.S. Ser. Nos. 61/236,370, filed
Aug. 24, 2009, and 61/257,735, filed Nov. 3, 2009, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/398,475, filed Mar. 5, 2010. The entire specifications, claims,
and drawings of U.S. Ser. Nos. 61/236,370, 61/257,735, and
12/398,475 are incorporated here by reference.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a package, for example a
child-resistant, elder friendly package to contain articles such as
pharmaceutical dosage forms or tobacco products.
[0005] Containers provided with child safety features are well
known in the art, particularly in North America, for packaging
pharmaceutical products. The child safety feature is also referred
to as a Child-Resistant Closure (CRC). In general, a
child-resistant closure must be difficult for children under 5
years old to open, yet be generally user friendly for users over 50
years old, particularly for users over 60 years old. The US
government has established a CR protocol to evaluate effectiveness
of closures. Child-Resistant Protocol testing is defined under CFR
Title 16, Part 1700 by the Food and Drug Administration. Ideally
these are provided in a way that is easy and convenient for the
intended consumer to use the product.
[0006] Product packaging enhances a product with many additional
features such as environmental protection and protection from being
damaged. Many products are packaged in multiple unit packages or
bulk for consumer convenience and packaging efficiency. Typically
the entire product is exposed when the package is opened. If the
product needs to be protected from the environment, for example
humidity, then a seal is required.
[0007] One way to ensure the product is protected is to provide a
seal for the entire contents of the package. This type of approach
may impose certain dimensional, shape or other design constraints
on the package design. In this approach, all of the product may be
exposed to the consumer or child who opens the package. Some means
would be needed to restrain the product so that it is held in place
so that it is easy to access but does not fall out of the
package.
[0008] Another way is to protect the product in a protective
envelope or wrapper. When this wrapper is opened, the entire
product is exposed. Again, the entire product is exposed to the
environment and it is no longer protected. In addition, the entire
remaining product is exposed to children.
[0009] Depending on the requirements of the package, the design may
become complicated with several contradictory constraints that
would need to be managed in order to meet the requirements. This
could lead to added expense and an undesirable package for the
consumer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] What is desirable is a simple, easy to configure package
that can accommodate different types of products and packaging
requirements.
[0011] An aspect of the invention is a package comprising a first
shell portion, a second shell portion, optionally a hinge, and a
latch.
[0012] The first shell portion has a first peripheral portion and a
second peripheral portion. The second shell portion has a first
peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion. The second
peripheral portion of the second shell includes a first latching
abutment.
[0013] Optionally, but not essentially or necessarily, a hinge can
be provided that joins the first shell portion and second shell
portion at their first peripheral portions.
[0014] The latch is configured for releasably latching the second
peripheral portions of the first shell portion and second shell
portion together. The latch includes first and second legs, an
actuating portion, and a second latching abutment. The first and
second legs are joined at an angle. The first leg is secured to the
first shell portion.
[0015] The first leg has an actuator portion and the second leg has
a second latching abutment. The actuator portion of the first leg
is positioned to be displaced, for example generally laterally, by
a user's finger to displace the second leg, for example generally
longitudinally, from a latched position to a released position. The
second latching abutment is secured to the second leg. The second
latching abutment is configured to engage the first latching
abutment when the second leg is in its latched position and to
release the first latching abutment when the second leg is in its
released position.
[0016] Another embodiment of the invention is a clamshell package
including a base shell, a lid shell, an integral hinge, and a
closure.
[0017] The base shell has inside and outside surfaces. It has at
least a first and second base well on the inside surface. A
generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and
second base wells. The lid shell also has inside and outside
surfaces. It optionally has at least first and second base lid
wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing
surface encircles the first and second lid wells.
[0018] The integral hinge joins the base shell and lid shell. The
hinge allows the base shell and lid shell to close together in
clamshell fashion. When the clamshell package is closed, the
marginal sealing surfaces of the lid shell and base shell are
facing and adjacent to each other, preventing access to the wells.
The closure releasably secures the base shell to the lid shell when
closed.
[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the base shell further comprises at least a second base well on the
inside surface.
[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the generally flat marginal sealing surface of the base shell
encircles the base wells.
[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the lid shell comprises at least a first lid well on the inside
surface and a generally flat marginal sealing surface of the lid
shell encircling the first lid well.
[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the lid shell further comprises at least a second lid well on the
inside surface of the lid shell.
[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the generally flat marginal sealing surfaces of the lid shell
encircle the lid wells.
[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the package further comprises a sealing sheet adhered to the
generally flat marginal sealing surfaces of the base wells to
hermetically seal the individual base wells.
[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
package further comprises a sealing sheet adhered to the generally
flat marginal sealing surfaces encircling the lid wells to
hermetically seal the individual lid wells.
[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the sealing sheet is weakened or cut between adjacent wells to
define separately removable strips that can be individually removed
to unseal one well without unsealing an adjacent well.
[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the base shell, lid shell, integral hinge, and closure are formed
as a single injection molded part.
[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
package further comprises at least a third base well on the inside
surface of the base shell, in which the generally flat marginal
sealing surface of the base shell encircles the third well.
[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
package further comprises at least a third lid well on the inside
surface of the lid shell, in which the generally flat marginal
sealing surface of the lid shell encircles the third lid well.
[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the first closure comprises at least a first upward-facing lid
abutment secured to the lid shell and at least a first
downward-facing base abutment secured to the base shell and
normally bearing against the lid abutment when the package is
closed.
[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the package further comprises a second closure comprising at least
a second upward-facing lid abutment secured to the lid shell and at
least a second downward-facing base abutment secured to the base
shell and normally bearing against the lid abutment when the
package is closed.
[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the first closure is spaced from the second closure.
[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
at least one first abutment is resiliently mounted to the
corresponding shell, normally biased to engage the other first
abutment, and resiliently deflectable against its bias to disengage
the other first abutment, releasing the first closure.
[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
at least one of the second abutments is resiliently mounted to the
corresponding shell, normally biased to engage the other second
abutment, and resiliently deflectable against its bias to disengage
the other second abutment, releasing the second closure.
[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the first and second closures must be operated at least
substantially simultaneously to open the package.
[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the resiliently mounted abutments of the first and second closures
are operable to release the closures by urging the resiliently
mounted abutment of one closure toward the resiliently mounted
abutment of another closure.
[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the base and lid wells have a length and width generally parallel
to the generally flat marginal sealing surface of the base shell
and a depth generally perpendicular to the generally flat marginal
sealing surface of the base shell.
[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the base and lid wells lengths at least three times as great as
their widths.
[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the package further comprises a dosage form of a product in at
least one of the base or lid wells.
[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the dosage form is an extruded stick of a composition.
[0041] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the dosage form is a rolled sheet of a composition.
[0042] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the sheet of a composition comprises a portion of a leaf.
[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the composition comprises ground material and a binding agent.
[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a base well or lid well is defined by an upstanding wall extending
from the corresponding shell to the generally flat marginal sealing
surface and encircling the well.
[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the upstanding walls of at least two adjacent base wells or lid
wells are spaced apart, defining a gap between them.
[0046] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a base well or lid well is formed by a corrugation in the
corresponding base shell or lid shell.
[0047] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a base well or lid well is formed by a depression in the
corresponding base shell or lid shell.
[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the base wells and lid wells reinforce the base shell and lid shell
against deformation.
[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the moisture ingress does not exceed 2500 micrograms per day of
water when closed.
[0050] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the sealed wells have a moisture ingress rate that does not exceeds
750 micrograms per day of water.
[0051] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the thinnest portions of the base shell and the lid shell are each
at least 0.5 mm thick.
[0052] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the thinnest portions of the base shell and the lid shell are each
at least 0.8 mm thick.
[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the thinnest portions of the base shell and the lid shell are each
at least 1 mm thick.
[0054] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the thinnest portions of the base shell and the lid shell are each
at least 2 mm thick.
[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the package further comprises a peripheral seal disposed around the
wells of the base shell and lid shell.
[0056] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the package further comprises a re-sealable peripheral seal
disposed around the wells of the base shell and lid shell.
[0057] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the package incorporates an active agent entrained plastic to
remove gases.
[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the active agent is an oxygen absorber.
[0059] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the active agent is a desiccant.
[0060] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the active agent is a molecular sieve or silica gel.
[0061] An embodiment of another aspect of the invention is a method
of filling the package with a product. Pieces of the product are
placed in the base and/or lid wells. The wells of the base and/or
lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. The cover sheet
is sealed to the generally flat marginal sealing surfaces to seal
the wells. Portions of the cover sheet between two wells are
weakened or cut to form strips of the cover sheet. In an
embodiment, each strip of the cover sheet covers one well. In an
embodiment, each strip is removable separately from one or more
adjacent strips of the cover sheet covering different wells.
[0062] Still another embodiment is child-resistant container
comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch.
[0063] The shell optionally can have opposed first and second
drawer openings. The shell can define a longitudinal passage from
the first drawer opening to the second drawer opening.
[0064] A first drawer is slidably received in the longitudinal
passage and projects through the first drawer opening when the
first drawer is opened. A second drawer is slidably received in the
longitudinal passage, relatively movable with respect to the first
drawer, and projects through the second drawer opening when the
second drawer is opened.
[0065] The stop is located within the passage. It is configured to
engage the first and second drawers to prevent the first and second
drawers from sliding apart past a limit of travel, with respect to
the shell. The limit of travel is reached when either of the first
and second drawers is open sufficiently to provide access to its
contents and the other drawer is closed sufficiently to prevent
access to its contents.
[0066] The latch is normally biased to latch the first and second
drawers closed. The latch is operable against its normal bias to
unlatch at least one drawer.
[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the stop comprises an abutment of the first drawer facing the first
opening and an abutment of the second drawer facing the second
opening, the first and second abutments engaging to define the stop
when the drawers are moved apart.
[0068] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
at least one of the abutments is connected to the corresponding
drawer by a link extending toward the other drawer.
[0069] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
each of the abutments is connected to the corresponding drawer by a
link extending toward the other drawer.
[0070] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
each drawer is identical in shape.
[0071] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the shell further defines a side opening providing access to the
longitudinal passage from outside the shell.
[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the latch is at least partially within the longitudinal passage and
accessible through the side opening for unlatching a drawer.
[0073] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the latch comprises a first latch engaging the first drawer and a
second latch engaging the second drawer.
[0074] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the shell further defines first and second side openings providing
access to the longitudinal passage from outside the shell.
[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
first and second latches are at least partially within the
longitudinal passage and respectively accessible through the first
and second side openings, respectively for unlatching the first and
second drawers.
[0076] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the first drawer has a first drawer abutment facing the first
drawer opening, the latch has a first latch abutment facing the
second drawer opening, and the first drawer abutment and first
latch abutment are positioned to engage each other when the first
drawer is closed and the latch is normally biased to latch the
first drawer closed.
[0077] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the second drawer has a second drawer abutment facing the first
drawer opening, the latch has a second latch abutment facing the
second side opening, and the second drawer abutment and second
latch abutment are positioned to engage each other when the first
drawer is closed and the latch is normally biased to latch the
first drawer closed.
[0078] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the first and second latches are configured to unlatch by traveling
transversely in opposite directions within the passage, disengaging
one of the first and second drawer abutments from the corresponding
latch abutment when both latches are operated.
[0079] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the first drawer and the latch are configured to unlatch the first
drawer only when both pushing the first drawer further closed to
engage an unlatching mechanism and operating the latch to unlatch
the first drawer.
[0080] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the second drawer and the latch are configured to unlatch the
second drawer only when both pushing the second drawer further
closed to engage a second unlatching mechanism and operating the
latch to unlatch the second drawer.
[0081] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the unlatching mechanism is a ramp on the latch and a ramp on a
link projecting from the drawer that engage to deflect the drawer
abutment transversely away from the latch abutment.
[0082] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the ramp on the latch and the corresponding ramp on the drawer are
normally longitudinally displaced when the drawer is closed, and
are longitudinally aligned in engaging relation when the drawer is
pushed further closed.
[0083] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the container further comprises a stop preventing the drawers from
being simultaneously pushed further closed sufficiently to engage
both the unlatching mechanism of the first drawer and the
unlatching mechanism of the second drawer, thereby only allowing
one of the first and second drawers to be opened at a time.
[0084] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the first and second latch are identical in shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0085] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the package
assembly, showing the lid open to show the interior.
[0086] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but having portions of
the insert tray cut away to show underlying details.
[0087] FIG. 2A is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing an alternative
embodiment having modified first and third legs 60 and 90 and no
pivots 84 and 102.
[0088] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the latches
advanced to their releasing positions.
[0089] FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 2A.
[0090] FIG. 4 is a detail side elevation view showing one of the
latches engaged.
[0091] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the latch
disengaged.
[0092] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the package according to an
embodiment of the invention, showing the package when open.
[0093] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6,
showing the package when closed.
[0094] FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 6,
showing details of the base wells.
[0095] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, showing
the interior of the base shell.
[0096] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, showing
the exterior of the base shell.
[0097] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the exterior of the base
shell in the embodiment of FIG. 6.
[0098] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6,
showing the package when closed, cut away to show the relation of
the base wells and lid wells.
[0099] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lid shell of the
embodiment of FIG. 6.
[0100] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6
when open, cut away to show the wells and shown with product sticks
in the wells and seal sheets covering the sells.
[0101] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
package, showing a different well arrangement and shape.
[0102] FIG. 16 is a detail view of another embodiment of the
package, showing a corrugated shell wall for the base shell and/or
lid shell.
[0103] FIGS. 17 (showing a base shell) and 18 (showing a lid shell)
are views similar to FIGS. 9 and 13 of another embodiment having a
perimeter seal around the wells.
[0104] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the
package, when closed, having blister sheets joined to the package
and a perimeter seal around the wells.
[0105] FIG. 20 is a cutaway perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 19, when open.
[0106] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0107] FIG. 22 is a similar view of the embodiment of FIG. 21,
showing the shell in isolation.
[0108] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21,
showing details of the drawers.
[0109] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 with the
shell removed, showing details of the latches and drawers. The
ramps 70, 72, 84, and 86 are shown in phantom.
[0110] FIG. 25 is an isolated perspective view of a drawer of the
embodiment of FIG. 21, primarily showing the bottom of the
drawer.
[0111] FIG. 26 is an isolated perspective view of a drawer of the
embodiment of FIG. 21, primarily showing the top of the drawer.
[0112] FIG. 27 is an isolated perspective view of one side of a
latch according to the embodiment of FIG. 21.
[0113] FIG. 28 is an isolated perspective view of the other side of
a latch according to the embodiment of FIG. 21.
[0114] FIG. 29 is a transverse section of the embodiment of FIG.
21.
[0115] FIG. 30 is a perspective cutaway view of the embodiment of
FIG. 21, showing the interior wall.
[0116] FIG. 31 is another section of the embodiment of FIG. 21,
showing more interior details.
[0117] The following reference characters are used in the
specification and figures:
TABLE-US-00001 40 package 42 First shell portion 44 Second shell
portion 46 First peripheral portion (of 42) 48 Second peripheral
portion (of 42) 50 First peripheral portion (of 44) 52 Second
peripheral portion (of 44) 54 First latching abutment 56 Hinge 58
Latch 60 First leg (of 58) 62 Second leg (of 58) 64 Actuator
portion (of 60) 66 Second latching abutment 68 Peripheral edge (of
42) 70 Peripheral edge (of 44) 72 First closed lip 74 Enclosure
(defined by 72) 76 Second closed lip 78 Insert 80 First bending
ramp (for 62) 82 First biasing abutment (for 62) 84 First pivot (of
60) 86 Third latching abutment 88 Second latch 90 Third leg 92
Fourth leg 94 Actuator portion (of 90) 96 Second bending ramp
(engaged by 92) 98 Fourth latching abutment 100 Second biasing
abutment (for 92) 102 Second pivot (of 90) 104 Remainder of 42
(other than insert 78) 106 Leaf spring (of 60) 108 Leaf spring (of
90) 110 Recess 112 Sidewall (of 110) 114 Flange 116 Aperture (in
114) 118 Aperture (in 114) 120 package 122 Base shell 124 Lid shell
126 Integral hinge 128 First closure detent 129 First closure
aperture 130 Second closure detent 131 Second closure aperture 132
Inside surface (of 22) 134 Outside surface (of 22) 136 Base well
(of 22) 138 Base well (of 22) 140 Base well (of 22) 142 Base well
(of 22) 144 Base well (of 22) 146 Long upstanding wall (of 36) 148
Long upstanding wall (of 38) 150 Gap (between 46 and 48) 152 Short
upstanding wall (of 36) 154 Short upstanding wall (of 38) 156
Marginal sealing surface (of 36) 158 Marginal sealing surface (of
38) 160 Marginal sealing surface (of 40) 162 Marginal sealing
surface (of 42) 164 Marginal sealing surface (of 44) 166 Long
upstanding wall (of 38) 168 Long Corrugation 172 Inside surface (of
24) 174 Outside surface (of 24) 176 Base wall (of 24) 178 Base wall
(of 24) 180 Base wall (of 24) 182 Base wall (of 24) 184 Base wall
(of 24) 186 Long upstanding wall (of 76) 188 Long upstanding wall
(of 78) 190 Gap (between 86 and 88) 192 Short upstanding wall (of
76) 194 Short upstanding wall (of 76) 196 Marginal sealing surface
(of 76) 198 Marginal sealing surface (of 78) 200 Marginal sealing
surface (of 80) 202 Marginal sealing surface (of 82) 204 Marginal
sealing surface (of 84) 206 Long upstanding wall (of 78) 210 Upward
lid abutment 212 Downward base abutment 214 Resilient tab (for 28)
216 Provisional portion (of 44) 218 Distal portion (of 44) 220
Upward lid abutment 222 Resilient tab 224 Proximal part (of 122)
226 Distal part (of 122) 228 Thumb tab 230 Sealing sheet 232
Sealing sheet 234 Cut (of 130) 236 Cut (of 130) 238 Cut (of 130)
240 Cut (of 130) 242 Cut (of 132) 244 Cut (of 132) 246 Cut (of 132)
248 Cut (of 132) 250 Product piece 252 Product piece 254 Product
piece 256 Product piece 258 Product piece 260 Product piece 262
Product piece 264 Product piece 266 Product piece 268 Product piece
270 Strip 272 Well 274 Lid shell 276 Base shell 280 Base shell
(FIG. 12) 282 Lid shell (FIG. 13) 283 Perimeter seal 284 Lip (of
180) 286 Lip (of 182) 290 Base shell 292 Lid shell 294 Blister
sheet (of 190) 296 Blister sheet (of 192) 298 Cover sheet (of 190)
300 Cover sheet (of 192) 330 Container 332 Shell 334 First drawer
336 Second drawer 338 First abutment (of stop) 340 Second abutment
(of stop) 342 First latch 344 Second latch 346 First drawer opening
348 Second drawer opening 350 Passage (of 30) 352 First side
opening (of 30) 354 Second side opening (of 30) 356 Gasket (of 34)
358 Storage area (of 34) 360 First link (of 34) 362 Second link 364
First push button gasket 366 Second push button gasket 368 First
latch abutment (of 42) 370 Ramp (of drawer 42) 372 Ramp (of drawer
42) 374 Second latch abutment (of 44) 376 Push button (of 42) 378
Push button (of 44) 380 First unlatching mechanism 382 Second
unlatching mechanism 384 Ramp (of drawer 34) 386 Ramp (of drawer
34) 388 Link (of drawer 34) 390 First drawer abutment (of 34) 392
Second drawer abutment (of 36) 394 First stop (in drawer 34) 396
Second stop (in drawer 36) 398 Second link (of drawer 34) 400 Guide
(of 32) 402 Guide (of 32) 404 Guide (of 32) 406 Guide (of 32) 408
Guide (of 32) 410 Guide (of 32) 412 Cover (of 34)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0118] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth here. Rather, these embodiments are examples
of the invention, which has the full scope indicated by the
language of the claims. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a package 40 is shown having the
following common features in the illustrated embodiments: a first
shell portion 42, a second shell portion 44, a hinge 56, and a
latch 58. A package is broadly defined here to be a package having
two portions or leaves that are releasably joined so they can be
closed or opened. The two portions or leaves do not need to be
congruent, or the same size, or have matching edges to be a package
as defined here.
[0120] In the illustrated embodiments, the first shell portion 42
has a first peripheral portion 46 and a second peripheral portion
48, and the second shell portion 44 has a first peripheral portion
50 and a second peripheral portion 52. The second peripheral
portions 48 and 52 are the entire perimeters of the shell portions
42 and 44, except for the first peripheral portions 46 and 50.
[0121] In the illustrated embodiments, the second peripheral
portion 52 of the shell portion 44 includes a first latching
abutment 54 that is engaged or disengaged by the latch 58 as
described below. In the illustrated embodiments, a hinge 56 joins
the first shell portion 42 and second shell portion 44 at their
first portions 46 and 50, defining a clamshell package. Hinges and
hinged portions, however, are not essential and not necessary to
carry out any embodiment of any invention disclosed in this
specification. For example, in place of the hinge 56, the first and
second shell portions 42 and 44 may have two or more hooks or
another latch between their respective first peripheral portions 46
or 50 to releasably engage the first and second shell portions 42
and 44.
[0122] In the illustrated embodiments, a latch 58 can be provided
for latching the second portions 48 and 52 of the first shell
portion 42 and second shell portion 44 together. The illustrated
latch 58 includes a first leg 60 and a second leg 62, an actuator
portion 64, and a second latching abutment 66. The first and second
legs 60 and 62 are joined at an angle (which is for example 90
degrees and/or corresponds to the respective angle between a side
edge of the second shell portion 44 and the front edge of the
second shell portion), and the first leg 60 is secured to the first
shell portion 42.
[0123] In the illustrated embodiments, an actuator portion 64 of
the first leg 60 is positioned to be displaced generally laterally
(in the direction indicated as "L" in FIGS. 1 through 3A) by a
user's finger to displace the second leg 62 generally
longitudinally from a latched position, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
4, to a released position, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. In the
illustrated embodiments, the actuator portion 64 can be displaced
laterally by pushing it inward with one's finger. In this
embodiment the lateral displacement of the actuator portion is
perpendicular to the first leg 60 (the first leg 60 extends in the
direction indicated as "V" in FIGS. 1 though 3A), and thus also
perpendicular to the side edge of the second shell portion 44, and
parallel to the front edge of the second shell portion 44, since
the second leg is arranged parallel to the front edge of the second
shell portion 44 and since the angle between the two legs is 90
degrees. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, and 3A, a
resilient element, such as the leaf spring 106, can be provided
that resists this displacement and biases the actuator portion 64
toward its latched position. In the illustrated embodiments, the
leaf spring 106 optionally bears against a portion of the insert 78
(a side wall defining recess 110, described below, in the
illustrated embodiments), resiliently resisting the advance of the
actuator portion 64.
[0124] In the illustrated embodiments, a second latching abutment
66 is secured to the second leg 62. The second latching abutment 66
in the illustrated embodiments is configured to engage the first
latching abutment 54 when the second leg 62 is in its latched
position, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, and to release the
first latching abutment 54 when the second leg 62 is in its
released position, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. Optionally, as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a leaf spring 108, can be provided that
functions like the leaf spring 106.
[0125] In addition to the common and optional features in the
illustrated embodiments, the package 40 illustrated in the Figures
can have any one or more of numerous additional optional features.
Zero, one, or more than one of these optional features can be
employed, whether individually or in any combination.
[0126] A first optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 can have mating
peripheral edges 68 and 70. Mating peripheral edges are defined as
peripheral edges that are generally congruent and registered when
the package 40 is closed.
[0127] A second optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that a lip seal arrangement can be provided to isolate the interior
of the package 40 from the exterior environment when the package 40
is closed. For example, the package 40 can include a first closed
lip 72 on the first shell portion 42 defining an enclosure 74, and
a mating second closed lip 76 on the second shell portion 44. The
second closed lip 76 can be positioned to engage the first closed
lip 72 and seal the enclosure 74 from the ambient air outside the
enclosure 74 when the first shell portion 42 and second shell
portion 44 are latched. "Closed loop" means that a lip is endless
or continuous, like a ring. The loop can be round, oval,
rectangular with rounded corners, irregular, or have some other
shape.
[0128] A third optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that an insert 78 can be provided as part of the first shell
portion, defining the first closed lip 72 and joined to the
remainder 104 of the first shell portion 42. The insert 78
illustrated in FIG. 1 can take the form of a tray 78 having a
recess 110 located within the closed lip 72 and defined by a
sidewall 112. The recess can define a sealed portion of the
container. The tray 78 also can include a peripheral flange 114
located outside the closed lip 72. In the illustrated embodiments,
the peripheral flange 114 conceals most of the latches 58 and 88
but includes apertures 116 and 118 to allow engagement between the
first and second latching abutments 54 and 66, and between the
third and fourth latching abutments 86 and 98.
[0129] A fourth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that at least a portion of the latch 58 and at least a portion of
the latch 88 can be positioned between the flange 114 of the insert
78 and the first shell portion 42. This conceals the latches 58 and
88, while providing the sidewall 112 that acts as a bearing surface
against which the second and fourth legs 62 and 92 or the leaf
springs 106 and 108 can bear to bias the latches 58 and 88 toward
their latched positions. It should be understood that the second
latch 88 and the structure it engages are not essential or
necessary, as a single latch can alternatively be provided to
adequately latch the container closed. For example, the single
latch 88 can be modified to carry both the second and fourth
abutments 66 and 98, which can be modified so both latch in the
same direction.
[0130] A fifth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that a bending ramp 80 can be positioned to be engaged by the
second leg 62 for bending the second leg 62 into contact with a
biasing abutment 82 when the second leg 62 is displaced generally
longitudinally from the latched position (shown for example in
FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) toward the released position (shown for example
in FIGS. 3 and 5). In the illustrated embodiments, the bending ramp
80 is a bent portion of the fourth leg 92, which has the advantage
that the bending ramp 80 moves to the right while the second leg 62
moves to the left as the latches 58 and 88 move in opposite
directions toward their respective unlatched positions. The
relative movement of the two latches doubles their passing rate,
compared to the rate of travel of either latch relative to fixed
structure, doubling the bending rate of the second leg 62.
[0131] A sixth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that the first leg 60 can be secured to the first shell portion 42
by a pivot 84. The provision of a pivot 84 allows a user to
displace the actuator portion 64 to pivot the first leg 60 relative
to the first shell portion 42. Alternatively, the pivot 84 can be
replaced by a fixed attachment point or a bearing point, either of
which would provide another, or an alternative, biasing force to
bias the latch 58 toward its latched position, assuming the first
leg 60 is resilient.
[0132] An seventh optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5
is that the container latching arrangement can further include a
third latching abutment 86 and a second latch 88. The third
latching abutment 86 can be provided on either one of the first and
second shell portions 42 and 44. The second latch 88 can be
provided for releasably latching the second portions 48 and 52 of
the first shell portion 42 and second shell portion 44
together.
[0133] An eighth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5
is that the second latch 88 can include third and fourth legs 90
and 92, an actuator portion 94, and a fourth latching abutment 88.
The third and fourth legs 90 and 92 can be joined at an angle, as
illustrated here. The third leg 90 can be secured to the other of
the first and second shell portions 42 and 44 relative to the third
latching abutment 86, The actuator portion 94 of the third leg 90
can be positioned to be displaced generally laterally by a user's
finger. Displacing the actuator portion 94 of the third leg 90 in
the illustrated embodiments displaces the fourth leg 92 generally
longitudinally from a latched position to a released position.
[0134] The fourth latching abutment 88 can be secured to the fourth
leg 92. The fourth latching abutment 88 can be configured, as shown
in the illustrated embodiments, to engage the third latching
abutment 86 when the fourth leg 92 is in its latched position. The
fourth latching abutment 88 can be configured, as shown in the
illustrated embodiments, to release the third latching abutment 86
when the fourth leg 92 is in its released position.
[0135] A ninth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that the actuator portions 64 and 94 of the first and third legs 60
and 90 can be spaced at least five cm apart, optionally at least
six cm apart, optionally at least seven cm apart, optionally at
least 8 cm apart, optionally at least 9 cm apart, optionally at
least 10 cm apart.
[0136] A tenth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is
that the actuator portions 64 and 94 of the first and third legs 60
and 90 optionally can be arranged so they must be actuated
simultaneously to unlatch the second portions 48 and 52 of the
first shell portion 42 and second shell portion 44.
[0137] The ninth and tenth optional features, or either one of
them, can be employed to provide a child resistant but elder
friendly package 40. Desirably for this purpose, the actuator
portions 64 and 94 are far enough apart that a small child who
should not have access to the contents of the package 40 will find
it difficult or impossible to operate both simultaneously with one
hand. Desirably, the actuator portions 64 and 94 are close enough
together that an adult who should have access to the contents of
the package 40, including an elderly person, will find it possible,
preferably easy to operate both actuator portions 64 and 94
simultaneously with one hand to open the package.
[0138] As an eleventh optional child-resistant feature, the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 does not have an opening spring, strut, or
the like to open the package automatically when it is unlatched.
When the latches 58 and 88 are disengaged, the second shell portion
44, which in this case is the lid, does not spring open
automatically; the second shell portion 44 must be lifted manually
to open the package. For this purpose, the first shell portion 42
has an indentation coinciding with the bending ramp 96, and the
second peripheral portion 52 of the second shell portion 44 bridges
the indentation.
[0139] The user can lift the section of the second peripheral
portion 52 bridging the indentation of the closed package 40, when
the latches 58 and 88 are released, to open the package 40 and have
access to its contents. This is a child-resistant feature because,
in normal operation, both actuator portions 64 and 94 are engaged
with one hand and the second shell portion 44 is lifted with the
other. The user's hand must be large enough to engage the two
actuator portions 64 and 94 at the same time to open the package.
Yet, opening the package 40 does not require complex movement, such
as grasping and twisting one part relative to another, and can
easily be designed by controlling the necessary biasing force so it
does not require great strength to open.
[0140] A twelfth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5
is that the second and fourth legs 62 and 92 optionally can be
positioned generally parallel while in their latched positions.
"Generally parallel" means that a majority of the length of the
respective legs runs side by side at approximately the same
distance apart along their mutual lengths when the package is
latched. As will be understood from this specification, the legs
need not remain parallel when the package 40 is unlatched, as part
of their respective motion is lateral.
[0141] A thirteenth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS.
1-5 is that the second and fourth legs 62 and 92 optionally can be
positioned to be displaced generally longitudinally in opposite
directions from their latched positions to their released
positions.
[0142] A fourteenth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS.
1-5 is that bending ramps 80 and optionally 96 can be positioned to
be engaged by one or optionally both of the second and fourth legs
62 and 92 for bending the engaged leg 62 or 92 into contact with a
biasing abutment 98 or 100 when the engaged leg 62 or 92 is
displaced generally longitudinally from the latched position toward
the released position.
[0143] In the illustrated embodiments, both of the second and
fourth legs 62 and 92 engage a bending ramp, respectively the
bending ramp 80 defined by the fourth leg 92 and the bending ramp
96 defined by an indentation of the wall defining the second
portion 48 of the first shell portion 42. This juxtaposition of two
bending ramps increases the lateral displacement of the second leg
62 when the package 40 is unlatched, which can be explained as
follows. Engaging the bending ramp 96 with the fourth leg 92
displaces the fourth leg 92, and thus the bending ramp 80,
laterally inward with respect to the package, also displacing the
second leg 62 laterally inward. Engaging the bending ramp 80 with
the second leg 62 further displaces the second leg 62 further
laterally inward. This provides a movement comparable to a compound
lever. Optionally, just the second leg 62 will bear against the
sidewall 112, or optionally or additionally against the wall of the
aperture 116, to produce a biasing force tending to resist
unlatching.
[0144] A fifteenth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5
is one way for biasing the actuator portion toward its latched
position. A first bending ramp 80 can be provided that is
positioned to be engaged by the second leg 62 for bending the
second leg 62 into contact with a first biasing abutment 82 when
the second leg 62 is displaced generally longitudinally from its
latched position toward its released position.
[0145] In a sixteenth, optional elaboration of this mechanism, a
second bending ramp 96 can be provided and positioned to be engaged
by the fourth leg 92 for bending the fourth leg 92 into contact
with a second biasing abutment 100 when the fourth leg 92 is
displaced generally longitudinally from its latched position toward
its released position.
[0146] A seventeenth optional feature of the embodiments of FIGS.
1-5 is that the first leg 60 can be secured to the first shell
portion 42 by a first pivot 84, and the third leg 90 also can be
secured to the first shell portion 42 by a second pivot 102.
[0147] Referring to FIGS. 6-20, a package 120 includes a base shell
122, a lid shell 124, an integral hinge 126, a first closure 128,
and a second closure 130. The can be manufactured by different
processes depending on the specifics of the design. In the
illustrated embodiments, the base shell 122, lid shell 124,
integral hinge 126, and closures 128 and 130 are formed as a single
injection molded part 120, molded in one shot in one mold. In
alternative embodiments, one or more components or portions can be
formed separately and joined to form a one-piece package, or the
respective components can be formed in more than one mold or more
than one shot. The package also can be blow molded or
thermoformed.
[0148] The base shell 122 has inside and outside surfaces 132 and
134. It has at least a first base well, and here five base wells
136, 138, 140, 142, and 144, on the inside surface 132. The wells
are formed by depressions in the base shell 122. In the illustrated
embodiment, each base well such as 136 is defined by an upstanding
wall 146 extending from the base shell 122 to the generally flat
marginal sealing surface and encircling the well such as 136. In
the illustrated embodiment, the upstanding walls 146 and 148 of at
least two adjacent base wells, and here of all five illustrated
base wells, are spaced apart, defining a gap such as 150 between
them.
[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, the base wells 136-144, and
more particularly the upstanding walls such as 146 and 148,
reinforce the base shell 122 against deformation. This
reinforcement is useful to stiffen the base shell 122 against
bending, thus keeping its contents more secure against access to
the contents of the base wells 136-144 by prying or otherwise
bending the base shell 122 while the package 120 is closed and the
closures 128-131 are engaged.
[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, the base wells such as 136
have a length (measured along the longer upstanding walls such as
146 and 148) and width (measured along the shorter upstanding walls
such as 152 and 154) generally parallel to the generally flat
marginal sealing surface 156-164 of the base shell 122 and a depth
generally perpendicular to the generally flat marginal sealing
surface 156-164 of the base shell 122.
[0151] In the illustrated embodiment the marginal sealing surface
156-164 is a discontinuous surface defined by the generally
coplanar marginal sealing surfaces 156, 158, 160, 162, and 164 of
the respective base wells 136, 138, 140, 142, and 144) of the base
shell 122. In an alternative embodiment, the facing upstanding
walls such as 148 and 166 between two wells can be merged, thus
reducing or eliminating the gaps such as 150 and potentially
joining the portions of the marginal sealing surface 156-164 to
form a single, continuous sealing surface 156-164.
[0152] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 16, a base well
is formed by a corrugation 168 in the base shell 122. In the
corrugated structure, the inside surface 132 and the outside
surface 134 both undulate.
[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the base wells 136-144 have
lengths at least three times as great as their widths, and as
illustrated roughly twenty times as great as their widths.
[0154] The lid shell 124 also has inside and outside surfaces 172
and 174. It has at least first and second lid wells, and here five
lid wells 176, 178, 180, 182, and 184, on the inside surface 172.
The wells can be formed by depressions in the lid shell 124. In the
illustrated embodiment, each lid well such as 176 is defined by an
upstanding wall 186 extending from the lid shell 124 to the
generally flat marginal sealing surface and encircling the well
such as 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the upstanding walls
186 and 188 of at least two adjacent lid wells, and here of all
five illustrated lid wells, are spaced apart, defining a gap such
as 190 between them.
[0155] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid wells 176-184, and
more particularly the upstanding walls such as 186 and 188,
reinforce the lid shell 124 against deformation. This reinforcement
is useful to stiffen the lid shell 124 against bending, thus
keeping its contents more secure against access to the contents of
the lid wells 176-184 by prying or otherwise bending the lid shell
124 while the package 20 is closed and the closures 128-131 are
engaged.
[0156] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid wells such as 176
have a length (measured along the longer upstanding walls such as
186 and 188) and width (measured along the shorter upstanding walls
such as 192 and 194) generally parallel to the generally flat
marginal sealing surface 196-204 of the lid shell 124 and a depth
generally perpendicular to the generally flat marginal sealing
surface 196-204 of the lid shell 124.
[0157] In the illustrated embodiment the marginal sealing surface
196-204 is a discontinuous surface defined by the generally
coplanar marginal sealing surfaces 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204 of
the respective lid wells 176, 178, 180, 182, and 184) of the lid
shell 124. In an alternative embodiment, the facing upstanding
walls such as 198 and 206 between two wells can be merged, thus
reducing or eliminating the gaps such as 190 and potentially
joining the portions of the marginal sealing surface 196-204 to
form a single, continuous sealing surface 196-204.
[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid wells 176-184 have
lengths at least three times as great as their widths, and as
illustrated roughly twenty times as great as their widths.
[0159] In the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the base
shell 122 and the lid shell 124 separating the base wells 136-144
from the outside of the container are each at least 0.5 mm thick,
alternatively at least 0.8 mm thick, alternatively at least 1 mm
thick, alternatively at least 2 mm thick, and can be thick enough
to provide a sufficient barrier layer and seal against the passage
of moisture, oxygen, or both to meet the needs of particular
articles carried in the wells. The shells can be made, for example,
from polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0160] The integral hinge 126 joins the base shell 122 and lid
shell 124. The hinge 126 allows the base shell 122 and lid shell
124 to close together in fashion. A non-integral hinge can also
optionally be used, though it might add to the cost of
manufacture.
[0161] The package 120 has at least one closure, and in this
embodiment has two. When the package 120 is closed, the marginal
sealing surfaces of the lid shell 124 and base shell 122 are facing
and adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 12, preventing access
to the wells. The closure, and in this instance the first closure
128-129 and the second closure 130-131, releasably secure the base
shell 122 to the lid shell 124 when closed.
[0162] The first closure 128-129 comprises at least a first
upward-facing lid abutment 210 (see FIGS. 7 and 13) secured to the
lid shell 124 and at least a first downward-facing base abutment
212 of the first closure detent 128 secured to the base shell 122
and normally bearing against the lid abutment 210 when the package
120 is closed (as shown in FIG. 2). In an alternative embodiment,
the first closure can be centrally located and a single closure can
be used to secure the package 120.
[0163] The first downward-facing base abutment 212 is resiliently
mounted to the corresponding (base) shell 122, as is best seen by
reference to FIG. 9. The detent 128 is mounted to a resilient tab
214 on its proximal portion 216. The distal portion 218 of the
resilient tab is offset in this embodiment to increase the amount
the tab 214 can be deflected downward (with reference to the
orientation of FIG. 9) without touching the remainder of the
package 120.
[0164] The first downward-facing base abutment 212 carried on the
tab 214 is normally biased to the as-molded position shown in the
Figures, at which it engages the first upward-facing lid abutment
210 (see FIGS. 7 and 13) secured to the lid shell 124, so the
detent 128 is inserted into the aperture 129. The first
downward-facing base abutment 212 is resiliently deflectable
against its bias, in this case toward the remainder of the package
120, to disengage the first upward-facing lid abutment 210,
releasing the first closure 128 by removing the detent 128 from the
aperture 129.
[0165] The second closure 130-131 comprises at least a second
upward-facing lid abutment 220 (see FIGS. 7 and 13) secured to the
lid shell 124 and a second downward-facing base abutment 212 of the
second closure detent 130 secured to the base shell 122 and
normally bearing against the lid abutment 220 when the package 120
is closed.
[0166] The second downward-facing base abutment on the detent 130
is resiliently mounted to the corresponding (base) shell 122, as is
best seen by reference to FIG. 9. The detent 130 is mounted to a
resilient tab 222 on its proximal portion 224. The distal portion
226 of the resilient tab 222 is offset in this embodiment to
increase the amount the tab 222 can be deflected upward (with
reference to the orientation of FIG. 9) without touching the
remainder of the package 120. The second closure 130-131 functions
in the same manner as the first closure 128-129 as described
above.
[0167] The first closure 128 is spaced from the second closure 130.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second closures
128-129 and 130-131 normally must be operated at least
substantially simultaneously to open the package 120. The
resiliently mounted abutments of the first and second closures are
operable, as by pinching the distal portions 218 and 226 with a
finger and the thumb of one hand, to release the closures by urging
the resiliently mounted abutment of one closure toward the
resiliently mounted abutment of another closure. While the distal
portions 218 and 226 are pinched inward using one hand, the thumb
tab 228 can be engaged to open the package. The need to manipulate
two resilient tabs and a thumb tab on different parts of the
package 120 renders the closure child-resistant, but still
relatively easy to open for an adult having a larger hand span than
a young child.
[0168] The package 120 as illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a sealing
sheet 230 adhered to the generally flat marginal sealing surfaces
156-164 encircling the base wells 136-144 to hermetically seal the
individual base wells. The sealing sheet can be attached, for
example, by ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, heat sealing, an
adhesive, or other expedients, including those known in the art.
The package 120 as illustrated in FIG. 14 also includes a sealing
sheet 232 adhered to the generally flat marginal sealing surfaces
196-204 encircling the lid wells 176-184 to hermetically seal the
individual lid wells. Optionally, the sealed wells can be
"moisture-tight," which is defined below.
[0169] If no seal is required in a given instance, then the
flexible film does not need to have the barrier and sealing
properties to provide a seal. For example, a paper seal can be
used. In another embodiment, the design of the pockets can be such
as to restrain the product in the package so no flexible film is
required
[0170] The flexible film material can be formed in a way that
allows one compartment at a time to be opened. The sealing sheets
230 and 232 optionally can be weakened, cut, or perforated, for
example between adjacent wells, as at the cuts 234-240 of the sheet
230 and the cuts 242-248 of the sheet 232, to define separately
removable strips such as 270 (between two adjacent cuts such as 234
and 236) that can be individually removed to unseal or open one
well without unsealing or opening an adjacent well. To access the
product, the consumer would peel away the flexible film material
exposing one of the compartments. Additionally or instead, a tool
could be used to open the compartments. Another option is to
provide a pull tab that has a string or other material that is
pulled through the flexible film covering a well, opening the
compartment.
[0171] In various embodiments, the sheets 230 and 232 can
originally be two separate sheets or portions of one sheet that
bridges the integral hinge. The bridging web of the sheet can
either be removed or left in place.
[0172] An embodiment of another aspect of the invention is a method
of filling the package 120 with a product. Pieces of the product,
for example the stick-shaped product pieces 252-268 shown in FIG.
14 in cross-section, are placed in the base and lid wells 136-144
and 176-184. The wells 136-144 and 176-184 of the base shell 122
and lid shell 124 are covered with cover sheets 230 and 232 to
close them. The cover sheets 230 and 232 are sealed to the
generally flat marginal sealing surfaces 156-164 and 196-204 to
seal the wells 136-144 and 176-184. Portions of the cover sheets
230 and 232 between two wells are weakened or cut at the cuts
234-240 of the sheet 230 and the cuts 242-248 of the sheet 232 to
form strips such as 270 of the cover sheet between two cuts. In an
embodiment, each strip such as 270 of the cover sheet covers one
well, although alternatively they could cover more than one well
per strip 270, as when the objects to be dispensed are
pharmaceutical tablets and the recommended dose is two tablets at a
time. In an embodiment, each strip is removable separately from one
or more adjacent strips of the cover sheet covering different
wells.
[0173] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 15, in
which the wells such as 272 are generally circular and provided in
two offset lines in the lid 274, and also in the base 276. This
embodiment can be used for tablets or disk-shaped or coiled dosage
forms or other objects. The illustrated wells of the lid and base
do not intersect when the package is closed. One utility for offset
base and lid wells is to allow a pull tab or other structure for
opening each base well to project into the space between the offset
lid wells, and vice versa. Alternatively, the offset wells of the
lid and base could interleave, so the base wells faced and
projected into a portion of the lid between two lid wells, and vice
versa.
[0174] FIG. 16 is a detail view of another embodiment of the
package, showing a corrugated shell wall for the base shell 122,
which could also be used for the lid shell 124. In this embodiment,
both the inside and outside surfaces 132, 134, are corrugated.
[0175] FIGS. 17 and 18 show an additional embodiment of the
invention, again including a base shell 280 and a lid shell 282. In
this embodiment, a perimeter seal 283 has been incorporated into
the clamshell, comprising a lip 284 of the base shell 280 and a lip
286 of the lid shell 282. The lips can form a lip-to-lip butt seal,
or the lips can be concentric surfaces having matching tapers, so
the sides of the respective lips engage. Optionally, the perimeter
seal 283 can be "moisture-tight," which is defined below. In a
further embodiment, the perimeter seal may be re-sealable; upon
opening and closing of the clam shell package, the moisture-tight
seal is re-established. For example, the package can be designed to
be moisture tight at least until it has been opened the number of
times necessary to access all the wells in the package, one at a
time.
[0176] FIGS. 19 and 20 show still another embodiment, which can be
used as a blister package holder or outer package. The lips 284 and
286 can be concentric surfaces having matching tapers forming a
perimeter seal 283, also shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, though this is
an optional feature for FIGS. 19-20. FIGS. 19 and 20 also show a
base shell 290 and a lid shell 292, respectively supporting and
attached to blister sheets 294 and 296 sealed to cover sheets 298
and 300. It is useful to permanently secure the blister sheets 294
and 296 within the package, so the child-resistant closure cannot
be circumvented by removing the blister pack from the outer package
before dispensing its contents.
[0177] The outer package of FIG. 17-18 or 19-20 can be molded as a
single piece with an integral hinge and child-resistant closure. In
these embodiments, the flexible film optionally does not need to
provide any sealing, which would allow for more flexibility in its
design and materials. For example a simple, inexpensive paper based
material could be used to close off the compartments while the
perimeter seal provides the sealing function.
[0178] In various embodiments of the invention when a seal is
required the wells or other package elements optionally can include
a material to remove gases that the product needs to be protected
from. This agent could be added separately to the wells or made as
an integral part of the base shell and/or lid shell. For example, a
multi material molding process could be used to mold one material
for the body and a second, joined material in the form of a polymer
or plastic material with an active agent entrained within it.
[0179] One example of the active agent entrained plastic is a three
component composition and method that is disclosed in one or more
of the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, 6130263,
6174952, 6,613,405 and 6,124,006 incorporated by reference herein.
Another example is a two component mixture of active agent and
polymer.
[0180] In one example a desiccant may be used as the active agent
in the entrained polymer. The desiccant can be used to remove
moisture from the product and/or the packaged environment. A
desiccant can be selected to maintain a specific range of relative
humidity. In one example, a molecular sieve desiccant can be used
to maintain a relative humidity of less than 10%. In another
example, a silica gel desiccant can be used to maintain the
relative humidity in the ranges of 10-30% RH (relative humidity) or
30-50% RH or 40-60% RH. The relative humidity can be controlled,
for example, by the amount of silica gel incorporated into the
polymer.
[0181] Other active agents are optionally contemplated, such as
oxygen adsorbers or materials that release a preservative agent.
These can also be incorporated into a three component composition
described above as well as a two component composition.
[0182] In certain embodiments, a dosage form of a product is
provided in at least one of the base or lid wells. The product can
be an extruded stick of a composition, a rolled sheet of a
composition, a portion of a leaf, ground material and a binding
agent, a lozenge, a tablet, a plug, combinations of these types
(such as a rolled portion of a leaf), or other forms, without
limitation.
[0183] As used herein, the term "moisture-tight" in reference to a
package, individual well, or other container is defined as
follows.
[0184] For a complete package having perimeter sealing, "moisture
tight" means the moisture ingress into the package is less than
about 2500 micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about
2000 micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 1500
micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 1000
micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 500
micrograms of water per day, in a further embodiment about 300
micrograms of water per day, in yet another embodiment about 150
micrograms of water per day, determined by the following test
method: (a) place approximately one gram of molecular sieve in the
container and record the weight; (b) close and seal the container;
(c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at
conditions of 80% relative humidity and 22 deg. C. (72 deg. F.);
(c) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular
sieve; (d) after approximately two weeks, weigh the container; (e)
subtract the first day sample from the value obtained and divide by
the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the
container in units of micrograms of water per day.
[0185] For an individual well of a package, "moisture tight" means
the moisture ingress into an individual sealed well is less than
about 750 micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about
500 micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 250
micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 150
micrograms of water per day, in another embodiment about 100
micrograms of water per day, determined by the following test
method: (a) place approximately 0.2 gram of molecular sieve (more
or less, depending on the well size) in the container and record
the weight; (b) close and seal the well and close the container;
(c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at
conditions of 80% relative humidity and 22 deg. C. (72 deg. F.);
(c) after one day, weigh the package containing the molecular
sieve; (d) after approximately two weeks, weigh the package; (e)
subtract the first day sample from the value obtained and divide by
the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the package
in units of micrograms of water per day. The test for a multi-well
package can be conducted on an individual well, on all of them, or
on any number of wells in between one and all.
[0186] Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a child-resistant container
generally indicated as 330 is disclosed comprising a shell or
housing cover 332, two drawers or product trays 334 and 336, a stop
defined by abutments 338 and 340, and a latch, here defined by the
first latch 342 and second latch 344.
[0187] The shell 332 optionally can have opposed first and second
drawer openings 346 and 348. The shell 332 can define a
longitudinal passage 350 from the first drawer opening 346 to the
second drawer opening 348. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell
332 further can define a first side opening 352, and in this
embodiment also a second side opening 354, providing access to the
longitudinal passage from outside the shell 332.
[0188] The first drawer 334 is slidably received in the
longitudinal passage 350 and projects through the first drawer
opening 346 when the first drawer 334 is opened, and also, in
another embodiment, a little bit when the drawer is closed. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first drawer 334 optionally can have
its first drawer abutment 340 facing the first opening 350. The
first drawer 334 has a gasket 356 and a storage area 358 for
containing objects kept in the container 330.
[0189] The second drawer 336 is slidably received in the
longitudinal passage 350, relatively movable with respect to the
first drawer 334, and projects through the second drawer opening
348 when the second drawer is opened and also, in another
embodiment, a little bit when the drawer is closed. In the
illustrated embodiment, each drawer 334, 336 is identical in shape
and function.
[0190] The stop defined by the abutments 338 and 340 is located
within the passage 350. It is configured to engage the first and
second drawers 334, 336 to prevent the first and second drawers
from sliding apart past a limit of travel, with respect to the
shell. The limit of travel is reached when either of the first and
second drawers is open sufficiently to provide access to its
contents and the other drawer is closed sufficiently to prevent
access to its contents.
[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the stop comprises an
abutment 336 of the first drawer 334 facing the first opening 346
and an abutment 340 of the second drawer 336 facing the second
opening 348, the first and second abutments 338 and 340 engaging to
define the stop when the drawers 334, 336 are moved apart. In the
illustrated embodiment, at least one of the abutments 338 and 340,
and in this instance each of them, is connected to the
corresponding drawer 334 or 336 by a link 360 of one drawer 334
extending toward the other drawer 336 and vice versa the link 362
of the other drawer 336. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop
optionally can have a first portion 360 associated with the first
drawer 334 and a second portion 362 associated with the second
drawer 336. The stop could alternatively be the first and second
portions engaged with each other, as illustrated, or the first and
second portions engaged with a portion of the shell, or the first
and second portions engaged with a portion of the latch, in
alternative embodiments.
[0192] The latch, here defined by the first latch 342 and the
second latch 344, is normally biased, here by the resilience of the
first and second push button gaskets 364 and 366 deformed against
the shell 332, to latch and seal the first and second drawers 334,
336 closed as illustrated in FIGS. 21-24. The latch such as 342 is
operable against its normal bias to unlatch at least one drawer 334
or 336. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch comprises a first
latch 342 engaging the first drawer 334 and a second latch 44
engaging the second drawer 336. Alternatively, a one-part latch can
be devised for engaging both drawers 334, 336, either
simultaneously or alternatively. The first latch 342 optionally can
have a first latch abutment 368 facing the first drawer opening
346, and the first latch 342 includes part of an unlatching
mechanism described below, which in this embodiment is a ramp 370,
and in this embodiment more precisely a pair of ramps 370 and 372,
on the latch 342.
[0193] In this embodiment, the first and second latches 342 and 344
are at least partially within the longitudinal passage 350 and
respectively accessible through the first and second side openings
352 and 354, respectively for unlatching the first and second
drawers 334, 336. The second latch 344 optionally can have a second
latch abutment 374 facing the first drawer opening 346.
[0194] In the illustrated embodiment the latch 344 is operated
using a push button, here opposed push buttons 376 and 378.
[0195] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second latches
342 and 344 are identical in shape.
[0196] Each drawer 334, 336 and the corresponding latch 342, 344
define an unlatching mechanism 380, 382. In the illustrated
embodiment, the unlatching mechanism 380, 382 includes a ramp 370
or 372 on the latch 342 or 344 and a ramp (here, the ramps 384 and
386) on a link 388 projecting from the drawer 334 that engage to
deflect the drawer abutment 390 transversely away (behind the plane
of FIG. 24) from the latch abutment 368.
[0197] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drawer abutment 390
and first latch abutment 368 are positioned to engage each other
when the first drawer 334 is closed and the latch 342 is normally
biased to latch the first drawer 334 closed. Similarly in this
embodiment, the second drawer abutment 392 and second latch
abutment 374 are positioned to engage each other when the second
drawer 336 is closed and the latch 344 is normally biased to latch
the second drawer 336 closed.
[0198] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second latches
342 and 344 are configured to unlatch by traveling transversely
toward each other within the passage 350, disengaging one of the
first and second drawer abutments 390, 392 from the corresponding
latch abutment 368 or 374 when both latches 342 and 344 are
operated.
[0199] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drawer 334 and the
latch 342 are configured to unlatch the first drawer 334 only when
both pushing the first drawer 334 further closed to engage an
unlatching mechanism 380 and operating the latch 334 to unlatch the
first drawer 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the second drawer
342 and the latch 344 similarly are configured to unlatch the
second drawer 336 only when both pushing the second drawer 336
further closed to engage a second unlatching mechanism 382 and
operating the latch 344 to unlatch the second drawer.
[0200] The unlatching mechanism such as 380 of the present
embodiment works as follows.
[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the ramps 370 and 372 on the
latch 342 and the corresponding ramps 384 and 386 on the drawer 334
are normally longitudinally displaced when the drawer 334 is
closed, as shown in FIG. 24 (where the ramps are all underlying
structure) and are longitudinally aligned in engaging relation by
moving the ramps 384 and 386 to the right in FIG. 24 when the
drawer 334 is pushed further closed.
[0202] In the illustrated embodiment, a first stop 394 (in drawer
334) and a second stop 396 (in drawer 336) respectfully limit the
travel of the links 360 and 398 to prevent the drawers 334, 336
from being simultaneously pushed further closed sufficiently to
engage both the unlatching mechanism 380 of the first drawer 334
and the unlatching mechanism 382 of the second drawer 336, thereby
only allowing one of the first and second drawers to be opened at a
time.
[0203] The shell 332 of the illustrated embodiment has guides 400
and 402 that receive the link 388 of the drawer 334 when the
unlatching mechanism 380 is engaged and the link 388 is deflected,
and similar guides 404 and 406 that receive the link of the drawer
336 when the unlatching mechanism 382 is engaged and the link of
the drawer 336 is deflected, in each case to guide the drawer as it
is opened. The shell 332 also has a guide 408 to guide the drawer
link 360 and a guide 410 to guide the other drawer link 398.
[0204] The drawers such as 334 can further include partial covers
such as 412. In an embodiment, the partial cover 412 can be molded
as an integral part of the drawer 332, with an integral hinge 414,
while in the orientation 412' shown in phantom in FIG. 24. The
partial cover 412' can then be folded over and optionally secured
to the body of the drawer 334 by a catch or similar arrangement.
Also or instead, the insertion of the drawer 334 into the shell 332
during assembly of the container 330 with the partial cover 412 in
the closed position shown in full lines in FIG. 24 can capture the
partial cover 412 in its closed position. The partial covers such
as 412 limit access to the stack 416, encouraging the user to
remove one sheet 416 at a time from the top of a stack of the
sheets 416.
[0205] A further description of the illustrated embodiment
follows.
[0206] The illustrated embodiment includes a package 330, useful
for example for solid oral dosages in a bulk arrangement so as to
limit the number of solid oral dosages that are presented to a
user. The bulk package 330 optionally can be portable, lightweight
and easy to use. The package 330 as illustrated has an effective
child-resistant closure, as a small child will find it difficult to
press the push buttons 376, 378 and push a drawer into the package
at the same time. Also, the double drawer feature with only one
operable at a time, limits the amount of contents to which the user
has access at a given time. The package 330 optionally can also
help to create an emotional bond between the user and the product.
A package that is fun to operate and has an appealing tactile
element is regarded here as creating such an emotional bond.
[0207] The illustrated embodiment includes a bulk package for
delivering solid oral dosages to a user. The solid oral dosages may
include, but are not limited to: edible films, tablets, lozenges
and capsules. In one embodiment, the product is an edible film. In
an embodiment, the edible films are rectangular in shape; the
approximate dimensions can be 25 mm.times.35 mm in size for
example. The bulk package of the present illustrated embodiment can
be substantially a rectangular parallelepiped, as an example: the
illustrated embodiment is essentially a rectangular parallelepiped
with rounded edges and corners, and is relatively thin so that the
package may be readily carried in a pocket or handbag. The edible
films are stacked in trays located within the bulk package. The
bulk package incorporates two trays, one located in each end of the
package.
[0208] The trays slide out from each end of the package. In an
embodiment, each tray holds up to 25 edible films and more
preferably, approximately 10 edible films per tray. The bulk
package shown in FIG. 21 optionally can have 20 edible film pieces:
10 pieces per tray.
[0209] To open the package, two buttons 376 and 378, located in the
center of the package, are used to slide out one of the trays. The
buttons are attached to latches 342, 344 that control the
child-resistant mechanism. To open the package, the buttons are
pressed and held in while simultaneously one of the trays (or
drawers) is pushed inward about 1 to 2 mm. Once pushed inward, the
tray is released, causing the tray to move outward from the bulk
package housing. Once the tray is released, the user may manually
slide the tray further open to access the product.
[0210] The package is designed such that only one tray may be
accessed at a time. When one tray is opened to the user, the other
tray is locked within the package.
[0211] After the tray is opened, the user may release the two push
buttons 376 and 378. When released, the push buttons move the
latches outward due to spring back of the compliant gasket,
returning to their home positions. To close the package, the user
can slide the opened tray back into the housing cover. In the
illustrated embodiment, the tray can be flush with the housing
cover when fully seated in the package. It is possible to push the
tray beyond flush, about 1 to 2 mm. When in the closed position,
the tray is again locked into the package and cannot be opened
again until the above sequence is repeated.
[0212] In the illustrated embodiment, the bulk package is composed
of five parts: a housing cover, two identical side buttons with
latches and two identical product trays.
[0213] The bulk package is designed to protect the product from
exposure to moisture. The bulk package as illustrated optionally
can have seals that are formed between the product trays and the
housing cover, and also optionally can have seals that are formed
between the push buttons and the housing cover. The bulk package
re-establishes these seals during use life (after the trays have
been opened and closed). The re-sealable seals are designed for up
to 50 open/close cycles per tray. In one embodiment the seals have
a moisture ingress rate of less than 2,000 micrograms per day,
preferably less than 1,500 micrograms per day, under the conditions
of 22.degree. C./80% RH (relative humidity), determined by the
following test method: (a) place approximately one gram of
molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) close
the resealable mechanism; (c) place the sealed container in an
environmental chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and
22.degree. C.; (c) after one day, weigh the container containing
the molecular sieve; (d) after approximately two weeks, weigh the
container; and (e) subtract the first day sample from the value
obtained and divide by the number of days to calculate the moisture
ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water.
[0214] The tray assembly is composed of three parts: (1) the
product tray, (2) a compliant gasket material at one end (also used
as a button) and (3) a product lid to partially restrict access to
the product.
[0215] The product tray serves as a reservoir to hold the edible
film in a stacked arrangement. The product tray optionally can have
a sloped region to facilitate the removal of one piece of edible
film from the stack. The sloped region helps to separate the top
piece of film from the stack. Typically, the user places a finger
on the top of the edible film stack and slides the top piece toward
the sloped region. The product tray may be composed of a single
material (i.e., polypropylene or polyethylene) or may incorporate
an active-polymer (i.e., a desiccant plastic) to control the
moisture level in the product. In one embodiment, the product tray
is manufactured in a 2-shot injection molding process: the outer
portion is molded of a thermoplastic resin (i.e., polypropylene or
polyethylene) and the interior portion (the sloped region) is
molded out of desiccant plastic. Desiccant plastic material is
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937; 6,080,350;
6,130,263; 6,174,952; 6,214,255; 6,486,261; and 7,005,459,
incorporated by reference here.
[0216] A compliant gasket material is positioned on one end of the
product tray. There are two projections that are located on the
side opposite of the gasket material. Referring to FIG. 24, the
shorter projection optionally can have a slot in the middle of the
projection. The longer projection optionally can have a
harpoon-like feature along one side of the projection. The shorter
projection interacts with the latching mechanism. The longer
projection extends into the opposing tray and prevents both trays
from being opened at the same time.
[0217] The product tray optionally can have a lid that partially
extends over the top of the tray. The lid may be manufactured as a
separate component or manufactured integral to the product tray. As
an integral component, the lid may be hinged to the product tray.
In one embodiment, the product tray and lid are molded in a single
injection molding process. Prior to product filling, the lid is not
assembled over the top of the tray. The lid may be hinged in an
`open` position. After product is filled into the tray, the lid may
be rotated closed and locked into position. Once closed, the lid
may not be removed.
[0218] The gasket serves two functions: (1) provides a seal between
the housing cover and the product tray and (2) provides a
spring-back force when the user pushes product tray inward. During
package operation, the user applies an inward force to the tray on
the gasket material.
[0219] The gasket may be a separate component or manufactured with
the product tray in an integral manner. In one embodiment, the
gasket is molded in a 2-shot injection molding process with the
product tray. The gasket may be composed of a thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE). Suitable TPEs are materials with a good moisture
vapor transmissions rates and materials that readily bond (are
compatible with) the thermoplastic resin used for the product
tray.
[0220] The push button latches and product trays are assembled into
the housing cover. The push button latches each have a hook-feature
on their distal end. When the push buttons are assembled into the
housing cover, the hooks interlock together and prevent the push
button latches from being removed from the package. The push
buttons are an integral part of the child-resistant mechanism in
the package. In the closed position, when the push buttons are NOT
pressed, the latches prevent the product trays from begin opened.
The shorter slotted tab in the product tray optionally can have a
projection along the distal end and is assembled over the latch.
The interference between the projection and the latch prevent the
product tray from opening.
[0221] The housing cover can be composed of one material. In a
preferred embodiment, the housing cover may be manufactured in one
part using an injection molding process. The material used for the
housing cover optionally can provide a good barrier to moisture and
to UV light to protect the product within the package. The material
optionally can also be dimensionally stable since the there are
features in the housing cover that interact with other aspects of
the bulk package to assist operation of the package. Suitable
materials include polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene
(HDPE), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) etc.
[0222] The interior, bottom surface of the housing cover optionally
can have two channels that project out from the surface. These
channels are used to capture the shorter, slotted tab of the
product tray.
[0223] The product tray's slotted tab optionally can have a set of
cleats midway along the top surface. When the push button latches
are pressed inward, the cleats ride along the latch. At the same
time, one of the product trays is pressed inward. The latch bottom
surface optionally can have corresponding cleats so that the
slotted tab is deflected downward approximately about 2 to 3 mm.
When the push button tabs are fully depressed, the slotted tab is
deflected downward so that the tab is aligned with one of the
channels in the housing cover. When the product tray is released,
the product tray slides outward from the package; during this
outward motion, the slotted tab is captured by one of the channels
in the housing cover.
[0224] The product tray can then be pulled out of the package,
until the longer tab on the product tray reaches the end of travel.
The end of travel occurs when the harpoon feature of one product
tray contacts the harpoon of the opposing product tray. The maximum
distance that a product tray can be opened is defined by the
harpoon position.
[0225] The push button latches can be composed of two components:
(1) a push button that forms a seal with the housing cover and (2)
a movable latch that is used to release the product trays. The push
button latches may be made of two parts and assembled. In a
preferred embodiment, the push button latches are made in a 2-shot
injection molding process. The push buttons are made of a
thermoplastic elastomer with similar material requirements as the
Gasket on the product tray.
[0226] The push button latches are pushed together inward. In the
present embodiment, the latches move approximately 4 mm inward. A
set of cleats on the bottom surface of the latches engage a
corresponding set of cleats on the slotted tab on the product tray,
causing the slotted tab to deflect downward. This allows the
slotted tab to fit into a channel in the housing cover and enables
one of the product trays to open outward.
[0227] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not
exclude other elements or steps and that "a" or "an" do not exclude
a plurality.
* * * * *